Modern Advice. Personal Service

Real lawyers for real life decisions

Whether you're buying your first home, sorting your will, or untangling a separation, we make the legal side feel straightforward — not stressful. Friendly, local, and on your side.

We know that calling a lawyer can feel daunting. Most of our clients come to us at a turning point — buying a home, planning what to leave the kids, navigating a separation, or growing a business. Our job is to make that moment feel manageable. We explain things in plain English, give you straight answers about costs upfront, and treat you the way we'd want to be treated ourselves.

60+ years in East Auckland - Howick · Botany · East Tamaki · Kohimarama · Mission Bay · St Heliers

Property Law

Property transactions don't need to be stressful. We'll guide you from offer to settlement with clear advice, prompt replies, and no surprise fees. Residential and commercial property, refinancing, subdivisions and developments.

Learn more

Business and Commercial

Whether you're starting out, growing, or selling up, we give business owners clear advice they can act on. Company formation, contracts and leases, business sales and purchases, commercial property.

Learn more

Wills, trusts and looking after your family

Make sure the people and things you care about are protected — without the legal complexity. We help with wills, family trusts, enduring powers of attorney, and estate administration when the time comes.

Learn more about Wills and Estates

Separation & Relationship
Property

When a relationship changes, you want a lawyer who's calm, practical, and firmly on your side. We help with separation, relationship property agreements, and contracting out (pre-nup) agreements — focused on a fair outcome, not extra conflict.

Learn more

What our clients say

“Dawsons were great when we used them for our recent house purchase in Auckland. I was looking for a lawyer who was knowledgeable, efficient, responsive and reliable. Someone who could lead me through the often complicated and confusing process with simple explanations and guidance, ultimately giving me the confidence to act. Connor, Tim & Sammie delivered all of these and more. They were always able to answer my often stupid questions with speed and clarity, and made what could have been a daunting prospect almost enjoyable! 5 stars all round. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone looking for safe pair of hands to manage their property purchase.”

— Adi

“In difficult and trying circumstances Dawsons treated us with compassion and the work they did was done in a very timely manner for which we were very grateful.”

— Dianne - Howick

“Dawsons have handled all my legal requirements for more than 30 years and I have always found them to be very efficient and reliable. Lately they have administered my late wife’s estate and Claire and Chantal have continued this excellent service. I would happily recommend them.”

— Geoff

Why East Aucklanders choose Dawsons

Local since 1965

We've been part of Howick, Botany, and the Eastern Bays for generations. We know the area, the property market, and the community — and a lot of our clients first came to us by word of mouth.

Plain English, every time

No legalese, no jargon. We tell you what's happening, what it'll cost, and what comes next — in language that makes sense.

Upfront on fees

You'll know what to expect before we start. No bill shock, no nasty surprises at settlement.

Notary services

Need a document notarised for use overseas? Our Notary Public is available by appointment at our East Tamaki office